Kirkuk: Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and Minister of Oil Hayan Abdul-Ghani Al-Sawad has outlined ambitious plans to significantly reduce Iraq’s reliance on imported gasoline and eliminate gas flaring by 2029.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, during his visit to Kirkuk, Al-Sawad stated that the North Oil Company’s fields are producing an average of 400,000 barrels. He also mentioned that British Petroleum is actively involved in developing the Kirkuk fields to boost production rates. Al-Sawad emphasized Iraq’s commitment to halting gas flaring within the next few years, aided by a contract with the French company Total to produce and process 600 million cubic meters of gas.

Al-Sawad highlighted that Iraq currently imports gasoline worth five billion dollars each year. However, efforts are underway to reduce this figure to one billion dollars by the end of the year. He revealed ongoing projects with Al-Barham Company aimed at processing naphtha and producing gasoline at a rate of 2,000 cub
ic meters. These initiatives, particularly the concentration project in southern Iraq, aim to enhance gasoline production and achieve self-sufficiency by minimizing imports.

The minister also noted that a contract signed with British Petroleum two months ago, now being executed, will enhance production from the Kirkuk fields. This contract is part of a series of licensing agreements designed to create job opportunities, establish a power generation station, and comprehensively develop the North Gas Company after 42 years of operation.